communication 211 Row 1: F. Bell (Sponsor), M. Taber, H. Maudsley, K. Koctar, R. Gomez, L. Thompson (Sponsor). Row 2: A. Cunningham, B. Dickerson, M. Jacob, J. Cornelius, B. Krogull, K. Moore. Row 3: J. Harris, E. Krulish, J. Marlin, M. Starks, J. Pilgrim, R. Schneider. Row 1: S. Goodale, K. Dejbakhsh, M. Mauney, J. Lafevers. Row 2: S. Adams, L. Schlabach, C. Burke, R. Gardner. Row 3: J. Porter, B. Marcrom, R. Carriger, D. Hoggatt (Sponsor), A. Brewer. Dactylology Club KVHU Radio R e s o u r c e s In sync with the department of communication becoming the College of Communication in 2008, several organizations popped up for communication majors to join. One such club was the Society of Professional Journalists, a nationally recognized journalism organization. Many students were excited to take part in starting a chapter of the SPJ at Harding. Senior Jeremy Watson, founding member and president of the Harding chapter, said that it was a great resource for those interested in journalism to get involved with their field. “There are not really many opportunities for journalism majors or just people interested in journalism to do stuff together, except through things like the Bison [newspaper] or the Petit Jean [yearbook],” Watson said. “I was glad we were going to get that opportunity outside of publications.” The SPJ was dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and exhibiting a code of ethics among journalists everywhere. The organization, founded in 1909, promoted the free flow of information among the profession. With over 10,000 members nationwide, the goal of the SPJ was to educate current journalists, as well as students preparing to go out in to the field after college. The educational benefits included discussions about the freedom of press, diversity in the field and the future of journalism as the media world constantly changed. “Starting the Society of Professional Journalists provides students at Harding an opportunity to be involved in one of the most respected organizations throughout journalism,” Dr. Jim Miller, journalism professor and SPJ advisor, said. As a national organization, the SPJ held a national convention every year in which classes and seminars were provided to further educate journalists. Prominent speakers from the profession gave speeches on different topics. These conventions also allowed students and professionals to make connections with different journalists. The SPJ also offered contests that both students and professionals could enter for cash prizes, scholarships and overall recognition. “By becoming a member, you get regular magazines and emails sent to you, which include valuable information [such as] job openings, internship possibilities and general information about our profession,” junior Chris O’Dell said. “It also helps set up connections for after graduation and is a good addition to a résumé.” In order to start a chapter of the SPJ at Harding, 10 students had to be members of the national organization. This meant that they had to pay $36 dues every year. Then, they had to have an official advisor. “Our SPJ chapter was made possible by great leadership from Dr. Jim Miller and Jeremy Beauchamp [director of student publications],” O’Dell said. “They helped organize the meetings and told us all about the benefits [the SPJ] provided students.” As a part of the organization, members elected officers, who were very important to the chapter as they had to make vital decisions. Serving as president of the chapter, Watson helped work on applying for a grant. “[The grant would] give us $500 to put together a workshop, during which we want to bring students from local high schools who are interested in journalism to Harding for a series of classes, along with a keynote speaker,” Watson said. “It will be open to students at Harding as well, and some classes will be taught by students.” In addition to organizing seminars and finding speakers to come, the officers also had to make decisions concerning money for the group by holding fundraisers. This money would go to fund trips that were planned for members. One such trip took the members to the Texas coast. Not only did the group help out with Hurricane Ike relief, but they also got to experience reporting, which helped set the students up for possible experiences they might have further down the road when out of school. They provided a voice and told stories during a time of need. With experiences in the field, the SPJ set itself apart by putting the members in hands-on situations. “There should be no question if all journalism majors should join the SPJ,” Miller said. “It should be how quickly they can join.” Cody Waits and Emily Hauptli Students Start Chapter Of SPJ At Harding
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